May there be peace on earth.  

May every child’s heartfelt wish 

For love and a hopeful future 

Join the hearts and hands 

Of fathers and strangers and enemies alike 

And heal all nations and men. 

May every kind soul’s kindness 

Be recognized for its bravery. 

And in the face of malice  

May the humble man be lifted up 

As the example of true strength. 

May hatefulness be exposed as fearfulness. 

Who among us isn’t afraid? 

Only those with peaceful hearts 

Who see not with a human eye 

But with a calmed spirit 

Who have bathed in the balm of Gilead 

And know their own unearned forgiveness. 

We will sooth the suffering and confused 

By remembering all are made in God’s image. 

We will look into the raging, hateful, crowd 

And hear the plaintive call for love 

For the path to peace is only made clear

Once we grasp our enemy’s hand.